Manchester City 'preparing to launch fresh offer for Lucas Paqueta'

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to launch a fresh offer for West Ham United attacker Lucas Paqueta.

The Citizens are said to be ready to step up their interest in the Brazil international after learning that Kevin De Bruyne will be out for a long period of time due to a hamstring problem.

Man City are believed to have seen their opening offer of around £70m for Paqueta rejected last week, with West Ham determined to keep hold of him.

However, according to Football Insider, the treble winners remain determined to bring the 25-year-old to the London Stadium and are now putting the final touches on a new bid.

The report claims that the offer will be worth in the region of £80m, and a transfer could move quickly if the two clubs settle on a free, as personal terms have already been agreed.

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Paqueta had been linked with a number of major European clubs before West Ham secured his signature from French giants Lyon in the summer of 2022.

The Brazilian was a key player for the Hammers last season, featuring on 41 occasions in all competitions, contributing five goals and seven assists in the process.

Paqueta also played the full 90 minutes of his side's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon amid the speculation surrounding his future.

"There's a price on everybody's head. We have had news on Lucas, but not anything to make our heads wobble. Lucas Paqueta is an incredibly talented player," West Ham head coach David Moyes told reporters following the team's opening match of the new season.

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"I've also got to keep good harmony in the football club and ensure things are done correctly."

West Ham are in a strong position when it comes to the South American's future, with his contract at the London Stadium having another four years left to run, with the option of a further 12 months.

Paqueta is believed to be actively seeking a departure, but the Hammers are in a strong position, having banked a huge fee by selling Declan Rice to Arsenal earlier this summer.

Man City's interest in the attacker had been strong even before it was confirmed that De Bruyne would be missing for the next four months with the hamstring issue that he aggravated against Burnley last Friday.

The Citizens have made two signings during this summer's transfer window, bringing in Mateo Kovacic from Josko Gvardiol, and they are also being heavily linked with Rennes attacker Jeremy Doku.